3 Steps to Help Beat Prostate Cancer

© Depend®
July 24, 2009

Prostate cancer may be the second-leading cause of male cancer-related death in the United States, but here's the good news: That number can be dramatically reduced through some relatively simple measures.

All men can help prevent prostate cancer and ensure their good prostate health with three steps, summarized as: PREVENTION, DETECTION and EMPOWERMENT.

The Depend® brand has joined forces with ZERO, The Project to End Prostate Cancer, in bringing you the details on these three key steps to help reduce the risk or beat it.

Step 1: Prevention

It should come as no surprise that diet and lifestyle are two key factors that lead to good prostate health. So when it comes to prevention, do all you can to live a healthy lifestyle.

For starters, look to a diet that is complete with plenty of fruits and vegetables. What's on the prostate-friendly list? Lycopene-rich tomatoes, along with broccoli and cabbage, are particularly beneficial. Soy-based foods are also good choices because they contain isoflavones, robust cancer-fighting chemicals.

And while the topic is on prevention and diet, think about measures that will lower your cholesterol. Research shows that high cholesterol levels are strongly associated with advanced prostate cancer, so do your best to help keep those cholesterol levels in check.

Some hints on lowering cholesterol include reducing or eliminating red meat and saturated fats. In fact, eating red meat five times a week doubles the risk of prostate cancer. By contrast, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, increase "good" cholesterol, and may actually help prevent cancer.

Finally, on the prevention front, because obesity is a significant predictor of prostate cancer severity, watch your caloric and fat intake, and make regular exercise part of an overall prevention strategy.

Step 2: Detection

Early detection and diagnosis can make all the difference when it comes to beating prostate cancer. In fact, catching prostate cancer early increases the odds of survival to nearly 100%. Screening is all the more critical considering there are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages.

So be diligent about going in for your yearly physical that includes a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a DRE (digital rectal exam). For most men, these should begin at 50. However, for African-American men, or men who have a family history of the prostate cancer, they should begin at 40.

Step 3: Empowerment

If the diagnosis does end up being prostate cancer, there are several things you can do to become positively empowered. The first is to learn all you can about the disease. Sites like ZERO's are invaluable tools to becoming more knowledgeable about prostate cancer facts. You'll find tips and tools that will help in understanding your diagnosis and exploring the various treatment options and outcomes.

The second is to develop a support network. Whether it's a local support group or class, or the loving support of friends and family who can bring a smile, surround yourself with people who you know you can turn to. And understand who is on your medical team. Take time to ask about and understand the roles and players involved in your medical care.

Above all, maintain a positive attitude. Remember, prostate cancer has an overall cure rate of 97 percent, and when caught early, has a cure rate of 100 percent.

Prevention, detection, empowerment. Three wise steps in helping you live the life you love-with a greater chance of staying prostate cancer free!

Courtesy of Depend®